Garlic Scapes

Garlic scapes provide the year's first taste of garlic, and let me tell you, it is potent! Scapes are the flower stalks of the hard-neck garlic. They are beautiful sight to behold. So graceful in their curvy growing habit... they look like swan's necks.

The garlic scapes may be chopped fresh into salads, or lightly sautéd in olive oil, but I have learned that my favorite way to use these tender flower stalks is zinged up in the food processor with a little olive oil to make a very flavorful paste. Simply add to sauces and soups or whatever needs a healthy dose of fresh garlic taste. Save up for future needs by storing in the freezer. It doesn't hurt the flavor at all. I admit, they do look prettier in their natural form, but this is the promise of some good eating to come!